What types of Green Cards are available in the Us?

The U.S. offers a variety of pathways for immigrants seeking permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. Each type of green card is designed to meet specific needs based on family relationships, employment, investment, humanitarian grounds, and other special programs. Knowing which option best fits your situation can be crucial when applying for legal status. Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC is here to help you manage these options and provide the guidance necessary to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of green cards available in the United States, along with guidance on how to apply.

Family-Based Green Cards

One of the most common ways to obtain permanent residency is through a family-based green card. This category allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for close family members, such as spouses, children, and parents. Two primary classifications exist within family-based green cards:

  1. Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens – These include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There are no annual limits on the number of visas issued in this category.
  2. Family Preference Categories – These apply to more distant relatives such as siblings, married children, and adult children of U.S. citizens, as well as family members of lawful permanent residents. Unlike immediate relatives, these categories are subject to annual numerical limits.

For those needing assistance with family-based petitions, Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC can guide you through the process. You can find more information about these services here.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based green cards are another major pathway to permanent residency in the U.S. This category is divided into five preference levels, each catering to different types of workers:

  • EB-1: Reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
  • EB-2: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their fields.
  • EB-3: Available for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers with less specialized skills.
  • EB-4: Special immigrants, such as religious workers or employees of U.S. embassies.
  • EB-5: For investors who invest a substantial amount of money into a U.S. business, creating jobs for Americans.

Whether you’re applying as a business immigration lawyer in South Florida or seeking help with your green card application, Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC is well-versed in handling complex immigration matters. You can explore their services for investor visas here.

Diversity Visa Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program offers an opportunity for individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. to apply for a green card. Every year, 50,000 visas are randomly allocated to individuals who meet the strict eligibility requirements. While this program can be an excellent option, it’s essential to apply correctly, as mistakes can lead to disqualification.

If you need help understanding the DV Lottery process or submitting your application, Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC offers comprehensive services for all immigration-related matters.

Humanitarian-Based Green Cards

For individuals seeking refuge or asylum, the U.S. provides humanitarian-based green cards. These are often available to those who face persecution or other serious hardships in their home countries. There are three main humanitarian-based pathways:

  1. Asylum and Refugee Status – Refugees and asylees may apply for a green card after one year of being admitted to the U.S. in their respective statuses.
  2. U Visa – For victims of certain crimes who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to assist law enforcement in prosecuting the criminal activity.
  3. T Visa – Designed for victims of human trafficking.

Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC is committed to helping clients handle the complexities of humanitarian cases .If you need assistance with your immigration case, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is a type of green card available to minors who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. This program allows eligible children to apply for lawful permanent residency without needing a family-based sponsor.

Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, having a qualified immigration attorney in South Florida can be crucial to ensuring that all documentation is correctly filed and that the child’s best interests are represented.

Removal of Conditions for Conditional Residents

Certain individuals who obtain green cards based on a marriage or through the EB-5 investor visa program are initially granted conditional resident status. To convert this to full permanent residency, they must file to remove the conditions before their two-year conditional status expires.

A South Florida business immigration lawyer can assist with removing these conditions, ensuring that you do not inadvertently fall out of status.

Trust Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC for Your Immigration Needs

At Dominguez Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how important it is to secure a green card and establish permanent residency in the U.S. Our firm offers dedicated legal services to help you through every step of the process. Whether you need support with family petitions, investor visas, or humanitarian cases, our team is here to provide you with the guidance and representation you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

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If you or a loved one needs assistance with an Immigration matter contact us today or schedule a consultation online to determine how we can help you.

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